John S. Tanner, the president of BYU–Hawaii and his wife, Susan W. Tanner, welcomed the parents of new students at a special reception on Jan. 3. The Tanners told parents about the divinity of BYUH and spiritual opportunities offered to students.
Sister Tanner opened the event with a speech, promising parents their freshmen are in the safe and welcoming hands of bishops, faculty, and friends. She said being far from home can be challenging for new students.
“They need to go through some adjustments, so please, contact your children often through modern technology, if you are available.”
President Tanner added, “We know you have concerns, and they have adjustments to do. Mother birds need to allow their baby birds to launch and do a few falls to learn to fly.”
He said there are many opportunities for students to learn and grow academically and spiritually. “The temple has short shifts that are available for students to serve, and every Tuesday we have devotionals.”
After their speech, President Tanner asked parents to introduce themselves one by one. More than 40 parents attended the reception, and Kim Spataro, a mother of a freshman from Seattle, said she was impressed with the welcoming ceremonies because of the emphasis on the school’s history.
According to Spataro, this school is a “good fit” for her son because the temple is close to campus and there are weekly devotionals. She said, “I am excited about my son’s spiritual and academic growth.”
Yoconda Goebel, a mother of a freshman from Texas, shared, “I was nervous about leaving my daughter because we will be so far [away from her.] However, I feel this is a safe place for her after I saw her dorm, met with her residential advisor and attended the welcoming ceremonies.”
Yoconda Goebel’s husband, David Goebel, added, “My daughter is just 17 years old, and I had a fear of leaving her here at the campus, but after these meetings, I have a feeling this is a great place, and she will do well here.”
Aura Vallejo, a mother of a freshman from Guatemala, said she appreciated President and Sister Tanner’s welcoming reception and was impressed with the school. “It is a perfect place for my daughter. This place is full of good people, and the climate is very nice.”